Question by Amb: husky or a siberian husky dog?
I really want a husky or siberian husky (There more easier and comen to find), however I don’t know to much about these dogs, besides some of the basics that I read.
My question is, would it be okay being an outside dog?
And my grandparents are looking for a dog that can atleast bark when people drive down our lane, would he even do that? or not care..
ANY feedback on ANYTHING with them would be helpful.
Thanks so much(:
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall/Flickr 
Answers and Views:
Answer by Hollywood
No dog should be an “outside dog.” An indoor dog can act as a watch dog just as well, if not better, than an “outdoor dog” can.
Answer by Janian
I would suggest you do LOTS of research before getting such a difficult breed.
This breed needs a lot of care.
Do you have free time every day for long walks/jogs?
Do you have the time or the money to cope with the shedding?
Do you have the time/money to train this working breed?
These dogs have thick coats so can live outside in most (but not too hot) climates. However, no dog is happy living alone, so if it will just be left in the back yard then get a fish or something.
Answer by Maggie
Siberians do well outdoors, but they are pack-oriented dogs. They need the company of a “pack”…and if there are no other dogs around to make up that pack, you and your family will be that pack.
This means that if you intend to get a Siberian and leave it outside alone for 20 hours a day, you shouldn’t get one. These dogs can be destructive and noisy when bored or lonely. They will dig, chew, and climb to escape a fenced yard.
Answer by DrunkOnYou&HighOnSummerTime
I had a Siberian Husky for 3 years before she had kidney failure and I never heard her bark. Not once. They aren’t watchdogs, and DEFINITELY not guard dogs.
These dogs are very social, they will howl if left alone which your neighbors won’t appreciate. If you live in a colder climate, they CAN live outside (not saying they should) because their thick, heavy coats are designed to trap heat close to the body. Even with water and shade they can become overheated in hotter places.
They are high energy dogs. They will go until their heart gives out if you let them, they love to work. If you don’t give them enough exercise, they will dig your whole yard up and chew on anything they can because they’re bored and have no way to burn their energy, and like I said before they’ll howl.
These dogs define “escape artist” and they will roam for miles. Updated ID tags and microchips are definitely recommended, as with any dog.
They are very friendly. I had a friend who lost one because it hopped in the back of someone’s truck and they never saw it again.
Answer by stephanie
A siberian husky is a type of husky. There is the siberian husky or the Alaskan husky. The Siberian husky is a pure breed and the Alaskan is a mixed breed.
Yes they can live outside as they have thick coats that protect them from the cold (and also the heat), BUT huskies are PACK animals and like to be around their owners and other dogs. They can get seperation anxiety and will howl all day or dig if left alone.
Huskies usually don’t bark, they howl.
Also keep in mind that huskies have a VERY high prey drive, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced in yard. They are not good dogs to just wonder around a farm….
Some of the good points:
1. They love all people of all ages.
2. They love company.
3. They are extremely intelligent.
4. They are easygoing
5. They are clean with little or no “doggy” smell.
6. They are generally quiet. They rarely bark except in playing, but will “talk”
or howl like their wolf ancestors for no reason.
7. They don’t require a lot of food.
8. They are honest. Their body language and voice can be taken at face value
Some of the bad points:
1. They love people …. any people. This is sometimes seen as a lack of loyalty.
2. They have a STRONG desire to run. This was bred into them over many hundreds of generations. It cannot be trained out of them in a few months of obedience classes. They MUST be kept in a secure area. And taken out in open areas on a leash. They are escape artists like a hairy Houdini. They have been known to jump or climb over 6 foot fences. If they can’t go over it they will go under it
3. They are extremely intelligent and mischievous.
4. They are very independent and strong willed to make it through obedience training. They will know and understand the command but if they don’t see the point in carrying it out they won’t.
5. They are very keen and efficient hunter / killers.
6. They must be kept occupied. A BORED HUSKY IS A DESTRUCTIVE HUSKY!
7. They shed. A LOT! Year round. Then twice a year or more they will “blow” their coats. This takes shedding to a whole new level.
8. They dig …. A LOT!
9. They play ROUGH! Very rough. And they sometimes can draw blood. But it is still play.
10. They need company, either human or canine and will be miserable without it. Though they can survive outdoors they really need to be inside with their “pack”……. YOU!
11. They can live 12 to 14 years. Maybe longer. This is not a bad thing. But can YOU live with a 2 year old that long? That’s what it’s like with a Husky in your life.
Again DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Know what you are getting yourself into.
Read all the answers in the comments.
What do you think?
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